Ofcom launched a total of three investigations into The X Factor on Monday morning – two relating to the behaviour and portrayal of Cocozza and one into the mishandling of an on-air competition – after receiving almost 150 complaints from members of the public.

On the X Factor results show broadcast on 23 October Cocozza, who has struggled to win over many fans with his less-than-impressive vocals and penchant for partying – shouted "fucking get in there" when he survived the public vote.

Ofcom is investigating the show for broadcasting swearing before the 9pm watershed, after receiving 102 complaints. The second investigation related to a clip aired on Saturday 22 October showing what each contestant or group had been up to in the week they had been off-air.

The clip featuring Cocozza, who was shown spending his free time partying in London nightclubs, prompted complaints to Ofcom that it glamorised and encouraged the misuse of alcohol. Ofcom received 28 complaints about the clip.

Despite Cocozza increasingly polarising viewers, he remains unapologetic about his behaviour and what impact it may, or may not, be having on his performances.

He managed to avoid being caught in Sunday night's double eviction, despite host Dermot O'Leary pointing out earlier to viewers that Frankie had managed just 30 minutes' sleep following a night out in Mayfair clubs followed by a house party.

It is the first major alleged breach of the TV code since Ofcom warned broadcasters in September that they must take more care about programming aired before the 9pm watershed when significant numbers of children are likely to be watching.

Ofcom told broadcasters to tighten their editorial controls following a series of complaints, particularly about music videos and music routines in shows such as The X Factor, which are popular with family audiences.

Last December's The X Factor final attracted thousands of complaints to Ofcom, following raunchy performances by Rihanna and Christina Aguilera.

Ofcom is also investigating an on-air competition broadcast during The X Factor on 22 October.

The competition presented viewers with a question and multiple choice answers – listed A, B, C, D – that viewers could call or text to vote to win a prize.

However, when the competition was broadcast for a second time during the show the multiple choice answers had been mixed up. Ofcom received 13 complaints about the competition.

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